When we last saw Jackie, he was still the Sovereign’s errand boy, collecting old debts in order to save his soul from eternal torment. Of course, this is no simple task, and requires the murder of those living with borrowed souls thanks to the Sovereign. Jackie is clearly at his wit’s end, wondering if anything can be worth the torment of seemingly endless killing.

This issue brings up several interesting ideas, and really made me think. It is apparent from the start that Estacado, despite being a former hitman and having killed countless people, can’t stand what he is doing. He isn’t ruthless and cold; he hates taking lives. How is it possible that he can feel this way without a soul? I couldn’t help but wonder if that point would come up at some point in the future, or if I was just reading too much into it.

Secondly, The Darkness #76 introduces Jackie to a new friend or, more likely, enemy (frienemy?) who claims to be the former bearer of the darkness. I have never given much thought to the lineage of this dark power, but as it is ancient (much like the Witchblade, and the other components of the Top Cow universe), obviously Jackie isn’t the first to control the darkness. I’m just curious to know what the Foreigner’s connection is, and how he came to lose it.

Writer Phil Hester doesn’t shy away from disturbing, shocking storylines, and artist Michael Broussard is more than capable of accompanying Hester. The Darkness, as the title implies, is a dark book; luckily, neither of them are afraid to tackle this sort of subject manner, and they work well together.

Issue #76 ends on a cliffhanger, so I expect the Foreigner story to continue next month; it looks like the Sovereign may get a bit of a break. The Darkness #76 is in stores now, so be sure to check out Jackie Estacado’s latest adventure.